MLRF & IWPA 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans; Metros Waste Management Plans; with Deputy Minister

Video 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans The Portfolio Committee convened virtually to engage on the revised annual performance plans (APPs) submitted by the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, and to receive briefings from metropolitan municipalities on their waste management strategies, particularly the state of landfill sites. The Chairperson opened proceedings by acknowledging the urgency of climate disaster preparedness in light of the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, which had resulted in the tragic loss of more than 90 lives. She underscored the need for municipalities to strengthen their public awareness and disaster preparedness efforts, and further reflected on the importance of managing the country’s energy transition in a manner that safeguards jobs and promotes inclusive development, particularly as decommissioning processes for coal power stations proceed. The Deputy Minister expressed condolences to the communities affected by the floods, and reaffirmed the Department’s role in driving climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. He confirmed that the Marine Living Resources Fund and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority had submitted revised APPs for the 2025/26 financial year. He encouraged the Committee to focus its engagements strictly on the amendments made. The Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) reported that it had removed one performance target from its APP -- the number of joint law enforcement operations conducted under Operation Phakisa’s Initiative 5. This adjustment was due to financial and operational constraints reported by its partner agencies including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and border control units, who were no longer able to commit to 40 joint operations annually. Members of the Committee raised concern about the potential weakening of enforcement efforts in the marine and coastal environment, and stressed the importance of upholding environmental compliance. Broader issues were also raised about the adequacy of existing employment targets, the role of aquaculture in job creation, the sustainability of small-scale fishing cooperatives, and the state of fishing harbours. Members recommended convening a joint sitting with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to clarify roles and accountability in relation to harbour infrastructure, which continued to suffer from decay and security challenges. While the MLRF target had been formally withdrawn, the Department committed to continuing operational collaboration with enforcement agencies at the local level. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority presented significant amendments to its performance plan, most of which were attributed to budget cuts and delays in the transfer of funds from the national fiscus. It confirmed that the number of performance targets had been reduced from 32 to 28. Four key performance indicators, particularly those linked to infrastructure, such as the construction of park amenities and green energy initiatives, had been removed. Six targets had also been amended and shifted from the first and second quarters of the financial year to quarters three and four, due to the late disbursement of funds. Members of the Committee expressed concern about the reduction in infrastructure investment, which had direct implications for tourism, community benefit, and employment in surrounding areas. The Park acknowledged that the reallocation of capital expenditure to operational expenditure had further constrained infrastructure delivery. Efforts were underway to source additional funding through partnerships with the Jobs Fund, the Culture, arts, tourism, hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, the National Skills Fund, and the Industrial Development Corporation. Progress on the commercialisation of tourism concessions within the Park was also highlighted, with procurement processes underway for two sites, Charters Creek and Kosi Bay, aimed at securing private sector investment. iSimangaliso also confirmed the positive financial impact of taking over facilities previously managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, with an estimated R450 000 expected to be generated in revenue for the current year. The Park also supported the development of local small-scale fishery enterprises by providing boats, cold storage facilities, and concession opportunities, particularly to women and youth beneficiaries. Members raised additional questions regarding the Authority’s support to local stakeholders, the use of billboard advertising, the status of accommodation facilities, and how community expectations were being managed in the context of shrinking resources. In the final session of the meeting, metropolitan municipalities briefed the Committee on their waste management strategies and provided an update on the status of their landfill sites. The City of Cape Town delivered its scheduled briefing, outlining its approach to urban waste services, pollution control, and landfill management. The City of Johannesburg did not attend the meeting or submit any presentation, despite being listed on the agenda. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality provided a response to outstanding questions arising from its earlier engagement with the Committee. Its submission focused on recent operational developments, progress on landfill licensing, and challenges related to compliance, staffing and informal settlement service delivery. The Portfolio Committee welcomed the proposal to convene a joint meeting with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to address ongoing concerns related to the deteriorating condition of harbours, and to clarify mandates between departments. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment was requested to submit written reports on its mentorship and support to fisheries cooperatives, as well as its strategies for transitioning participants in the Expanded Public Works Programme towards more sustainable employment. The Chairperson concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to active oversight, environmental sustainability, and the pursuit of inclusive development in all areas under the portfolio’s mandate .